Custom Exhibits

From creative counters and workstations to dazzling islands and inlines, Classic Exhibits has become a “go to” source for custom design and builds. Our 20+ year history with wood, metal, and plastic fabrication, combined with our expertise in lighting and electronics, allows us to design cost-effective custom solutions for any requirement.

We encourage you to send us your project ideas, whether you’re looking for a trade show, retail, corporate environment, or event solution. Curious to see more? Browse the Custom Photo Gallery for past projects.

Classic Exhibits

At Classic Exhibits, we design and build exhibits for folks who love trade shows and special events. It's our passion. And it should be. After all, we're in the business of showcasing your products, your services, and your company using stunning graphics and memorable 3D displays.

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Trade Show TalesBlog

Archive for January 9th, 2015

Can It Get Any More Ridiculous

By Tom Werner, OTM Furniture

I recently returned from the NBAA Show in Orlando. NBAA is a business aviation show with about 1800 exhibitors.

I’ve attend this show every year since 2006 to manage the installation of my client’s exhibit. Part of my service includes ordering show services, carpet, and furniture. The furniture has ALWAYS been a challenge, namely finding something that fits their needs at an affordable price that didn’t look worn and abused. And because the furniture prices are listed in the exhibitor kit, I can’t mark it up much, if any.

Over the years, I’ve been able to observe trends and developments with furniture, and more specifically, the amount being used, how it’s being used, and the cost of renting it.

Amount Used

In the beginning, there wasn’t much furniture in the booths, and I had to search for it. This isn’t surprising since one of the golden rules of booth staff training has always been “Don’t sit in the booth space!” Over the years, I started to see more and more of it. In 2014, there was WAY MORE than I could ever photograph, and this year virtually every exhibitor had furniture.

How It’s Being Used

In addition to the standard black tables and chairs, two other types of furniture have become popular: bar height table and chair sets and lounge furniture.

Honestly, it makes sense for most companies. One of the objectives of trade shows is to build relationship with clients and prospective customers. Bar height tables and chairs allow for informal meetings in limited floor space, while lounge furniture is a great way for your visitors to relax and spend more time in your booth.

The Cost of Renting

This year, my client asked me what they spent on the conference room tables and chairs. So, I went back and looked at the numbers. I knew the cost had increased, but I had no idea how much. It was significant (numbers below).

Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective. See the OTM Furniture videos.